Inversions, Arm Balances& Backbends Training
Master the art of teaching advanced asana
Using the wall, props, adjustments & smart modifications
"Balancing in yoga and life is a reflection of our inner state. Can we dance with change? Can we fall and try again with playfulness? Do we have the focus, skill and attunement to find the stillpoint within it all?"
— Shiva Rea
Transform Your Teaching of Advanced Asana
Do you feel nervous teaching inversions, arm balances, or deep backbends? Do your students ask for these poses but you're unsure how to teach them safely and effectively?
This 2-day YACEP CPD training will give you the tools, confidence, and hands-on experience to teach advanced asana to students of all levels—from complete beginners to seasoned practitioners.
You'll learn how to break down complex poses into accessible steps, use props and the wall creatively, offer safe hands-on adjustments, and design intelligent sequences that prepare the body while honoring individual limitations.
This course can be taken as a stand-alone CPD module or allocated as a 15-hour elective on our 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training programme.
Why This Training?
This course provides practical, hands-on training in the poses students most want to learn—and teachers most need support teaching.
Build Teaching Confidence
Feel empowered to include advanced poses in your classes with the knowledge to keep students safe.
Wall & Props Mastery
Learn creative ways to use the wall, blocks, straps, and bolsters to make challenging poses achievable.
Safe Hands-On Adjustments
Develop skilled, trauma-informed touch techniques for supporting students in inversions, arm balances, and backbends.
Inclusive Teaching Approach
Discover how to offer modifications and progressions so that everyone can participate safely.
Injury Prevention Focus
Understand anatomy, contraindications, and how to spot potential risks before they become problems.
This training equips you with the skills to teach advanced poses with confidence, creativity, and compassion.
2-Day Course Content
Day 1 | Inversions & Wall Work
Day 1 focuses on inversions, using the wall as a teaching tool, and building student confidence.
- Welcome & Foundation Setting – establishing safety principles and teaching philosophy for advanced asana
- Inversions Deep Dive – headstand, forearm stand, and handstand progressions using the wall and props
- Wall as Teaching Tool – how to use the wall for student confidence and alignment
- Spotting & Hands-On Adjustments – safe touch techniques for inversions and balance poses
- Building Shoulder & Core Strength – key preparatory exercises and conditioning sequences
- Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them – troubleshooting inversions with compassion and clarity
- Student Fear & Resistance – psychological and physical approaches to support hesitant students
- Practice & Integration – guided inversions session with peer teaching practice
Day 2 | Arm Balances & Backbends
Day 2 covers arm balances, safe backbending, counterposes, and intelligent sequencing.
- Arm Balances Fundamentals – crow, side crow, flying pigeon, and beyond
- Progressions & Regressions – meeting students where they are with prop support and modifications
- Backbending Safely – bridge, wheel, camel, and advanced backbend variations
- Anatomy of Backbends – understanding spinal mechanics and safe range of motion
- Counterposes & Neutralizing – essential poses to balance the nervous system and spine
- Sequencing for Advanced Poses – how to intelligently build up to challenging asana in a class
- Hands-On Adjustments for Arm Balances & Backbends – safe, effective touch and verbal cuing
- Teaching Lab & Peer Feedback – design and deliver sequences featuring advanced poses
- Integration & Next Steps – closing circle, resources, and ongoing support
What This Course Will Give You
By the end of this 2-day intensive, you will:
- Understand the history, philosophy, and psychology behind inversions and arm balances
- Learn practical techniques and progressions for teaching these poses safely
- Discover how to sequence inversion-focused classes with intelligence and creativity
- Apply the Koshas framework to deepen the energetic and emotional experience of advanced poses
- Gain confidence through hands-on teaching practice with fellow trainees
What Teachers Are Saying
"This training completely transformed my confidence in teaching inversions. I now feel equipped to support all my students safely."
"Learning to use the wall and props opened up so many possibilities. My students are amazed at what they can do now!"
"Charli's approach to hands-on adjustments is so thoughtful and safe. I finally feel comfortable offering physical support in challenging poses."
Hands-On Learning Experience
Practice, teach, and refine your skills in a supportive environment
Key Training Benefits
This comprehensive training provides you with practical skills and deep understanding.
Playful Approach to Practice
Discover how to teach inversions and arm balances with a sense of play, curiosity, and joy rather than fear and struggle.
Perspective Shifting Benefits
Understand the psychological and emotional benefits of going upside down and how inversions shift our perspective both physically and mentally.
Safe & Effective Adjustments
Learn hands-on adjustment techniques that support students without causing injury, along with clear verbal cuing alternatives.
Koshas Integration
Apply the ancient wisdom of the Koshas (energy sheaths) to deepen the experience and understanding of arm balances and inversions.
Personalized Teaching Approach
Develop the ability to assess individual students and offer tailored modifications, making your teaching more inclusive and effective.
Interested in Attending This Course?
Colorado, USA
2026 Dates TBC
Location TBC
15 hours CPD
Host This Course
in the UK or Worldwide
Interested in hosting this course at your studio or location?
Who is this course suitable for?
- Yoga Teachers wanting to expand their teaching repertoire
- Practitioners ready to deepen their advanced asana practice
- Teachers seeking confidence in teaching challenging poses safely
- Those wanting to learn hands-on adjustments and prop modifications
- Anyone looking to master the art of inversions, arm balances & backbends
Why This Training Is Different
- Comprehensive breakdown of advanced poses
- Extensive use of wall and props for accessibility
- Hands-on adjustment training with safety focus
- Advanced modifications for all levels
- IN STUDIO immersive experience
- Focus on playfulness and perspective shifts
- Philosophy and psychology of inversions
- Can be taken as stand-alone CPD or part of Inspire & Ignite Teacher Training Series
Course Includes
Course Details
Schedule
Forthcoming Training Dates
Venue: The Shala, London
Dates: 19-20 September 2026
Time: 10am - 6pm
Duration: 15 Hours CPD
Additional dates and locations to be announced - register your interest to be notified
What's Included
- Comprehensive Training Manual
- Teaching Labs & Practice Sessions
- Hands-On Adjustment Training
- CPD Certificate (15 hours)
- Post-Training Support
- Investment: £325
About Your Teacher
Charli Van Ness (E-RYT 500) has over 20 years of teaching experience specializing in advanced asana, alignment, and body mechanics. Her approach emphasizes safety, accessibility, and creativity—helping students and teachers alike discover what's possible when we honor both ambition and limitation.
Practical Information
- Please bring a notebook and pen
- Wear comfortable clothes to practice yoga + your favourite blanket. Don't worry if you forget as we have plenty of blankets and props here for you to use
- Please make a note when booking of any ailments and injuries Charli should know about
- Though part of a series, these are offered as stand-alone CPD Teacher Training Days
- You will receive a PDF Manual for this Module
Ready to Discover Playfulness in Practice?
Register your interest and be the first to know when training dates are confirmed
